October 19, 2006
Linda Hare
OR Miya Robertson
615-963-5331
Tennessee State University's Most Recognizable Cheerleader Rallies
Spirits and Anticipation for Homecoming 2006
You can believe the excitement over the upcoming Homecoming 2006
celebration for Tennessee State University is building; that is,
"Building Bridges: Past, Present, Future," which is the theme for this
year's week-long celebration, October 22-28. Who better to prepare the
Nashville community for the celebration than the queen of Big Blue
Country herself, Miss Tennessee State University 2006-2007 Dairanetta
Spain? Spain is a senior, speech communications major from Memphis,
Tenn., and was elected to office at the end of the 2005 school year.
As a freshman, Spain ran on the Lady Tigerbelles track team and also
formed a collegiate relationship with many other student athletes while
tutoring for the Athletics Department, an activity she still enjoys
today. During her sophomore year she also served as the sports editor
for The Meter, the award-winning weekly campus publication.
She believes Homecoming's importance stems from the university's ability
to capture the past through alumni's memories of campus life, football
greats, and alumni accomplishments.
"I see homecoming as a big family reunion," stated Spain. "Homecoming
brings back years of TSU history in one weekend."
But the week of activities isn't just for TSU alumni.
Alumni, TSU fans, and the Nashville community can all come together for
a host of events. Miss TSU said many of the events are suitable for the
entire family, such as the gospel concert, noonday pep rally, parade,
and tailgate parties. Best of all, they're absolutely free.
Of course, she's hoping for a win against Samford, whom TSU plays
Saturday, at 6 p.m. at LP Field. "Winning homecoming is a pride
booster," she said, and her job is to motivate students. She wishes they
had the same enthusiasm for Homecoming that alumni show; the positive
spirit that Homecoming brings could prove to be just what the university
needs.
"You can't force them (students) to get involved," she said, but she and
her royal court will do their best. Miss TSU is accompanied by Miss
Senior, Candice Witt, from Nashville, Tenn.; Miss Junior, Kesha Dalcour,
from Chicago, Ill.; Miss Sophomore, Ashlee Akins, from Jackson, Tenn.;
and Miss Freshman, Curpri Burns, from Detroit, Mich. A host of other
student leaders and organizations take part in Homecoming as well.
On a more personal note, Miss TSU agrees that this year's homecoming is
very special to her. The coronation of Miss TSU will take place on
Wednesday, October 24. During the ceremony Spain will be officially
crowned the 77th queen of Tennessee State University and presented to
her university family. Does Miss TSU know what people can expect from
the ceremony?
"It's all going to be a surprise for me. I will be grateful no matter
what," she said, admitting that the love she has for TSU is
"unexplainable."
Another milestone in TSU'S history is the installation of the
university's 7th president, Dr. Melvin N. Johnson, which will be held on
Friday, October 27, at 9 a.m. in the Gentry Center. These two special
homecoming ceremonies "make our positions more concrete," Spain said.
She called them "a refreshing break for a good cause." And she'll need
it. She'll be right back to a busy schedule, filled with meetings and
appearances, all in the name of promoting and building a greater TSU.
Dairanetta Spain's final message to alumni, visitors, and the Nashville
community is to "enjoy "Big Blue Country" but come back ... there will
be more."
A complete list of Tennessee State University homecoming activities can
be found at the TSU website:
www.tnstate.edu/alumni.
Posted By: Jehan Bunch
Tuesday, October 24th 2006 at 10:55AM
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